A short guide to some of Rome’s most romantic places.
Rome has its magnificent museums, its splendid churches, its rich history. It also has romance. Buckets of it. Here is where to find some of the city’s most romantic places.Top of most people’s list is the Giardino degli Aranci, or Orange Garden, on the summit of the Aventine hill. A popular destination all year round, it offers a sweeping panorama over the city, with stunning views of St Peter’s and the Vittoriano.
Lovestruck couples also head to the terrace at Pincio which overlooks Piazza del Popolo from Villa Borghese and is particularly magical at sunset.
The Giancolo, or Janiculum hill, gives an even broader view of the city as well as the Castelli Romani and the Apennines in the far distance. The viewpoint has the majestic backdrop, and water-filled soundtrack, of the Fontanone.
Raphael frescoes at Villa Farnesina
Just below the Fontanone in Trastevere is the Orto Botanico, Rome’s botanic garden. With more than 3,500 types of trees and shrubs, these hillside gardens make a wonderful escape from the bustle of the city.
Across the road from the botanic gardens is Villa Farnesina, one of Rome’s true gems. This Renaissance palace features breathtaking frescoes by Raphael whose 500th anniversary took place in 2020.
Make for the river and you will find two of Rome’s most romantic bridges: the music-filled Ponte Sisto and the angel-lined Ponte S. Angelo leading to Castel S. Angelo.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Heading into the centro storico there are the old favourites, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, both of which are at their most magical when illuminated by night.
Via Margutta, tucked away between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo, is arguably the city’s most romantic street. Draped in greenery and home to a multiude of galleries and art studios, there is a secret quality to the street which featured in Roman Holiday and was once the home of Fellini.
Via Margutta
There are plenty of parks in Rome for a romantic stroll, while those looking for a more offbeat pilgrimage on St Valentine’s Day should pay a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin which is home to a glass reliquary containing the skull of San Valentino.
Last but not least is the rather unlikely suggestion of a graveyard: the Non-Catholic Cemetery to be precise. With its otherworldly atmosphere and winding paths, this cemetery hosts the graves of many notable cultural figures, including the great Romantic Poets themselves: Keats and Shelley.
